Not all apples grown are equal

SOME years ago, the apple industry worldwide was in trouble. Consumers were turning away soft, old apples. The eating quality of the fruit was inconsistent.

Somewhere along the delivery chain, decisions were made for the wrong reasons.

Logistic decisions were driven by market prices, apple sizes, quotas, shipping schedules or the popularity of a variety and this resulted in poor harvest regimes.

The growers of Heartland Fruit NZ Ltd made the decision to deliver crisp, juicy, eating apples from Nelson, New Zealand, every time. With its own orchards, packing houses and marketing company, it can control and trace apples from start to finish.

Pioneering varieties

The Heartland group claims to lead the New Zealand industry in pioneering new rootstocks and varieties of apples. It developed the Red Braeburn-eve, which is now a well-accepted variety in many markets around the world. It believes that an innovative attitude (new variety developments) gives its growers and customers an edge over competitors.

Specially designed orchards

Heartlands growers set out to grow apples with emphasis on eating quality. Hence, its orchards are architecturally designed with a difference.

The aim is to distribute light to all parts of the tree as efficiently as possible. The right rootstock, nutrition, minerals and trace elements are calculated and trees are spaced and shaped according to maximum light interception to produce apples of better flavour and texture. Trees too closely planted or shaded will result in soft, flavourless apples.

The Heartland group has 10 apple varieties: eve, Ambrosia, Tentation, Divine, Braeburn, Royal Gala, N.Z. Beauty, Cox Orange Pippin, Fuji and Pink Lady.

Here are some of the varieties and their characteristics:

Eve (sweet and tangy)

Eve is a sweet tangy apple with superb white flesh contrasting with bright red skin. This crisp, crunchy, flavourful, firm fruit is ideal eaten fresh or in salads.

Ambrosia (honeyed sweet, low acid, crisp and juicy)

The skin is smooth, with a bright, almost iridescent pink blush over a creamy background. The flesh is tender and juicy, with a very fine, crisp texture. It is a sweet, low-acid apple with a pleasing aroma.

Braeburn (sweet and tangy)

This apple originated in New Zealand from a chance seedling in the 1950s. It is a very firm aromatic, juicy, crisp, apple that combines sweetness and tartness.

Divine (crunchy and juicy)

Divine has a firm texture and an attractive traditional apple appearance. Its flavour is strong and sweet, and is rated superior to Fuji.

Royal Gala (sweet and juicy)

Bold red blush to full bold stripe over a yellowish background are the signature traits of this crisp sweet snappy apple.

Tentation (crisp and juicy)

A cross between Golden Delicious and Grifer, Tentation has a distinctive golden yellow colour, often with a fine pink blush. The high sugar level is balanced with the acid content to provide a sweet and tangy eating experience. Tentation is also recognised for its high aroma level and is delightful in many cooking recipes. It is only grown in New Zealand to provide fruit domestically and to the Northern Hemisphere from June to September.

Fuji (sweet and juicy)

A large apple with a honey sweet taste, firm texture and extremely dense flesh. Fuji is predominately red/dull pink blush over a green yellow background.

Pink Lady (crisp and juicy)

This variety originated in Western Australia in 1979. It has a pink blush over a greenish creamy background skin. The fruit has acidic undertones, a dense firm flesh and an excellent almost effervescent flavour. The Star/ANN